UCL: Xavi Reveals Two Things Barcelona Lacked Against Napoli

Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez has pinpointed two things his team lacked against Napoli during both sides’ UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

Xavi watched as Robert Lewandowski scored the opener in the 60th minute for Barcelona.

But Victor Osimhen levelled things for the Serie A side 15 minutes later at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

However, Xavi feels Barca lacked the ability to calm down and control a tough game at 1-0.

“We deserved more. Our strategy worked well and we were leading 1-0. What we lacked was the ability to calm down and control a tough game with that scoreline,” Xavi said at his post-match interview after the game.

“Because we didn’t put the game ‘to sleep’, and remember this is the Champions League, our rivals score with their first effort on target!”

Xavi added, “We should have been keeping the ball and moving the play into their half but, overall, my team put in a good performance. We had chances for more. We produced good transitions and I’m pleased that so much of the match went the way we visualized it and planned for.

“Now we will give a big push to go through in front of our fans.”

Barcelona will host Napoli in the return leg next month.